5 Can't-Miss Happenings at Design Indaba 2017

The world's top creatives converge on Cape Town from 1 to 3 March for one of the most inspirational events on the global design calendar. Here are a handful of things we're itching to see.

1. Selly Raby Kane's art direction

It's the first time in Design Indaba history that an external creative director is in charge. They couldn't have picked a better woman for the job. Do yourself a favour and follow Senegalese art director Selly Raby Kane on Instagram: @sellyrabykane. Her cutting-edge sense of style transcends fads and the formulaic – we can't wait to see her take on an event that has always set itself apart as pioneering.

2. Fresh local talent

Top on our list of local speakers to catch is filmmaker and photographer Jabu Nadia Newman. "In South Africa, I feel like feminism still needs to get to the core," says the writer and director of the gritty Afro-centric web series The Foxy Five. The 22-year-old will be joined by the Foxy Five crew, meaning local female firepower will rule the stage.

4. The international tech superstar

TL (Tea) Uglow is the creative director of Google's Creative Lab in Sydney and a must-see on just about every Design Indaba ticketholder's list. Why? The transgender powerhouse constantly explores the spaces where technology and the arts collide. Plus, in her recently released book based on a talk she gave at the Sydney Writers' Festival, she ingeniously focuses on doubt as a creative catalyst.

5. The after-hours happenings

Design Indaba is exploring new nocturnal territories this year with Nightscape, an after-hours festival that will see the Artscape Piazza transformed into an immersive dreamscape. Expect performances from the likes of ethereal Medicine Boy, Massive Attack's Daddy G and experimental electronic outfit Original Swimming Party; a film festival featuring a different African premiere each night; and a series of free talks on the Thursday night. Nightscape is open to anyone at R200 for a three-night pass.

Once again, Mercedes-Benz South Africa is sponsoring this note-worthy event. Click here for more about the latest Mercedes-Benz vehicle finance offers and to book a test drive in your dream model.

Visit Designindaba.com for more information about the event and keep an eye out here for even more Design Indaba coverage.